7 Harbour St

7 Harbour St

The ability to think innovatively was key to the early success of the Matalons. In the 1950s Jamaica imported rice in bulk, which was purchased by shopkeepers who in turn repackaged the rice in smaller quantities for retail. Mayer hit upon the idea of importing prepackaged rice. The decision was met with skepticism when their first shipment of 600 tons was imported. Traditionalists predicted that patrons would reject the prepackaged rice. Within a short period of time they were selling 6000 tons per annum, and 85% of rice consumed locally was prepackaged.

By 1954 the company had outgrown their Orange Street premises and a building at the corner of Harbour Street and Fleet street was purchased to house the operations. Over the years many Government offices and private sector headquarters moved from downtown Kingston to the more appealing New Kingston location, but ICD remains at its Harbour Street location, committed to the community which saw their first success.